Shelby GT500: World’s most-powerful series production V-8

Generating 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque, the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500’s all-new supercharged 5.8-liter powerplant has been officially SAE-certified as the most-powerful series production V-8 in the world. (Ford)

Ford has been touting best-of-both-worlds powertrains lately, which deliver on muscle and fuel efficiency.

The latest boast is that the all-new supercharged 5.8-liter powerplant in the 2013 Shelby GT500 is officially SAE certified as the most-powerful series production V-8 in the world, with peak output of 662 horsepower and 631 lb.-ft. of torque.

That’s more power and torque than some low-volume exotic sports cars costing much more than the GT500. The GT500 engine generates its muscle throughout its operating range with 395 lb.-ft. of torque available just off idle at 1,000 rpm. More than 90 percent of the peak torque is available from 2,200 to 5,800 rpm.

Ford reports the combination of the new TVS 2.3-liter supercharger, twin overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder ensures the car can breathe all the way to 7,000 rpm with peak power production coming at 6,500 rpm and holding fairly steady right to the rev limit.

While fuel economy hasn’t been officially announced, Ford reports the Shelby GT500 is the “most-fuel-efficient car with more than 550 horsepower in any segment available in America.”